St Pius X College Newsletter

Performing Arts

Music Matters

Performing Arts Festival: Our Performing Arts Festival commences this afternoon, with solo performances by our piano and some percussion students. Please see detailed information below. Parking will be available on the school grounds with entry via Kirk Street and students are expected to wear their summer uniform. Sports uniform is acceptable for those students returning from training.

 

Term 4: PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL 

PRIVATE TUITION STUDIO CONCERTS AND DRAMA ENSEMBLE SHOWCASE

Junior School on show!

Our Junior School students are getting ready to shine on stage, sharing their imagination and passion for the Performing Arts in two special celebrations.

On Thursday 30 October, the Junior Drama Ensemble will perform in the Drama Cocurricular Showcase at the Sarto Centre (5:00 pm). This vibrant evening of theatre will highlight the students’ creativity, teamwork, and growing confidence as performers, alongside entertaining pieces from the Intermediate and Senior Drama Ensembles.

The excitement continues on Friday 31 October with the inaugural whole Junior School Concert in the College Gym at 1:30 pm. All students in Years 5 and 6 will take part, presenting a showcase of their music learning from the semester. Audiences will also enjoy performances by the Junior Concert Band, Junior Chorale, and Junior Guitar Ensemble, creating an afternoon filled with music, inspiration, and school spirit. 

We warmly welcome families and friends to join us in celebrating the enthusiasm, talent, and commitment of our young performers as we bring another dynamic year in the Performing Arts to a close.

 

Private Tuition Reminders

Students currently undertaking private instrumental or vocal tuition at the College do not need to reapply for lessons in 2026, as enrolments will automatically roll over.

If your son will not be continuing with his tutor next year, please ensure that three weeks’ written notice is provided to the tutor before the end of term, in accordance with College policy and to assist with 2026 planning.

Clipboard will open in the coming weeks for new lesson applications for 2026.

For any private tuition enquiries, please contact your son’s tutor directly or Mr Stephen Cummins, Coordinator of Private Tuition, at scummins@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au.

Students using hired instruments are reminded to return them to their tutor or the Music Office after their final lesson or ensemble rehearsal for the term.

 

For all other enquiries, please contact Ms Merryn Dodd, Performing Arts Administration Assistant, at sperformingarts@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au.

 

Term 4 Performing Arts important dates for your diary:

  • Performing Arts Festival Studio Concerts - Thursday 23 October - Thursday 30 October

  • Drama Cocurricular Showcase – Thursday 30 October - Junior, Intermediate and Senior Drama Ensembles, Sarto Centre, 5:00 pm. Car park will be open for parking. Please use entrance via Kirk St

  • Thursday 30 October – Year 5 Orientation before school – Junior Jazz

  • Thursday 30 October – Senior Leaders Investiture at The Concourse – Senior Concert Band – 11:00 am -1:00 pm (morning rehearsal as usual to set up and rehearse)

  • Friday 31 October – Junior School Concert in the Gym – Junior Concert Band, Junior Chorale and Junior Guitar Ensemble and all of Years 5 and 6 students – 1:30 pm, College gym

  • Tuesday 4 November – Year 7 Orientation before school – Intermediate Concert Band (TBC)

  • Tuesday 11 November – Remembrance Day Assembly – Senior Concert Band – 11:00 am - 12:00 pm 

  • Friday 21 November – Year 6 Graduation at Oxford Falls – Junior Chorale 

  • Friday 21 November – Christmas Twilight Concert – All Concert Bands, all Jazz Bands, all Percussion Ensembles, Orchestra, Guitar Ensembles, Choirs, Rock Ensemble, Bass Ensemble – more information to come – 5:00 pm 

  • Tuesday 2 December – Road to Bethlehem – Ensembles TBC

  • Wednesday 3 December – End of Year Awards assembly – Senior Jazz Band (TBC) 

Mrs Annabel Westhoff - Leader of Learning, Performing Arts

Drama Matters

Cocurricular Performance & Rehearsals

The performance date is fast approaching, and our actors are diligently learning their lines, motivations, and stage blocking. We had a productive rehearsal on Sunday, with the Senior Ensemble working on their scenes from True West. This weekend, the Junior and Intermediate Ensembles will finalise their stage space and preparations, with specific times allocated for each group.

We are excited to have over 50 students performing next Thursday. Students should head to the Sarto immediately after school, where they will be provided with pizza and a drink before changing into their costumes. A brief rehearsal will take place for each ensemble prior to the show.

Thank you to the parents who have volunteered to help! If you are available to assist, please contact me.

Year 9 & 10 Excursion 

On Thursday last week, Elective Drama students visited the Wharf (ATYP) to see the performance of Work, But This Time Like You Mean It by Canberra Youth Theatre. As one of Australia’s leading youth arts companies, Canberra Youth Theatre amplifies the voices of young people, providing them with a space to explore their creative selves. The play was commissioned as part of their Emerging Playwright Commission, making it a unique and exciting experience. Our students had a fantastic time in the Rebel Theatre, watching young performers showcase their passion and talent.

 

Upcoming Drama events:

  • Sunday 26 October 12:00 noon - 4:00 pm: Intermediate Drama Ensemble will rehearse their short plays and will be given timeslots for each rehearsal. 

  • Thursday 30 October: Junior, Intermediate & Senior Drama performances starting at 5:00 pm (part of the Performing Arts Week) in the Sarto Centre

  • Thursday 20 November:  Drama Showcase, a selection of performances from students studying Drama in 2025 starting at 5:00 pm

Ms Penny Lindley - Leader of Learning, Drama